Take a Giant Step

I wanted to like this movie, as I'm becoming aware of the many Hollywood movies which were ahead of their time. In a large respect, this movie did so when exploring the many problems a black family would have in a predominately white neighborhood in the 50's. However, when portraying Johnny Nash as a teenager exploring the underbelly of the city, the dialogue bogged down and it wasn't believable. So mine is a blended rating

Restless black kid in a mostly-white small town wrestles with the values he's been taught by his working parents, whose kowtowing to the whites has left their son combative and surly (add to this a normal siege of hormones for a 17-year old boy, and the picture nearly becomes a race-reversal variation of "Rebel Without a Cause"). Handsome, clean-cut Johnny Nash is very good as the troubled youngster who, in a silent pantomime, stands up to his teacher over lessons involving the Civil War; however, the dialogue from screenwriters Julius J. Epstein and Louis S. Peterson, adapting Peterson's play, alternates between frank and occasionally very awkward. The writers get the action off to a false start with an argument between the kid and his dying grandmother (nothing substantial gets said because the characters keep answering each other's questions with more questions). After Nash chats up some prostitutes and returns home with beer on his breath, the film takes on the shape of any number of teens-in-trouble co-features. The fact that race is the central issue doesn't exactly make the film more relevant or even an anomaly--it's more of a novelty. ** from ****

What a delightful movie about some of the issues facing Black Americans (adults as well as youth) in American society. This landmark film not only tells the story of Spence (portrayed by popular era crooner Johnny Nash) and his family as they strive to maintain or advance in a racially turbulent 1950's era America but, tells bits and pieces of our own stories as well.

Nash's portrayal of Spence, being pulled in various directions was insightful and brilliant. It brought back memories for me (some not so fond) and had me reflecting on similar dilemmas of my youth (social role confusion or ambiguity, self concept and identity, the true meaning of friendship, integrity and the price we pay for standing up for what was right, the concept of "the mask," and the challenge of walking between two worlds).

This movie was also a coming of age story for Spence as he tried to navigate "head on" through complex socio-sexual and racial issues that the adults around him routinely sought to ignore, downplay, or tolerate. At the same time, he was grappling with issues of manhood (while not knowing exactly what that meant).

Interestingly enough, the major black adult characters held an almost child-like status within this racially charged society. It was clear that the social imprint made its mark. These characters knew exactly how to smile in order to keep the peace, take insults with grace, and grin in order not to offend even though they were hurting inside. They knew exactly where their "place" was and warned Spence to stay in his.

Despite this posture, it becomes clear that the black adults in his life were just as conflicted, angry, lost and perplexed as Spence was but dare not show it. "Grandma," was a delightful exception and departure from this social stance. I found her rebellious nature refreshing. Moreover, these supporting characters were slightly less developed in the story-line than Spence.

The movie surprised me when it addressed the sexual tension between Spence and the female housemaid (portrayed to perfection by Ruby Dee). The issue of a sexual relationship between a young black man and an older black woman was clearly taboo for the time period when this film originally aired. Of course, the movie could have never gone as far as "How Stella got her Groove Back." However, it did introduce this topic area and subsequently, handled it "diplomatically." It was clear that those two would be together at some point in the film (again, somewhat risqué for the times). It was refreshing to see that it at least did not shy away from this controversy.

I found this movie to be a fascinating "Tour de France" through the rapidly unpredictable twists and turns of socio-sexuality and racial expectations, power concepts, and self-identity which many within minority communities still grapple with today.

I view this as a "thinking man's movie" in that it leaves you with things to ponder. I appreciate that in a film. It is clearly rare among today's films. To me, this movie looms as a refreshing reminder, a confirmation that, with very few exceptions and under current conditions, the very best of nearly everything: the arts, TV, literature, cinema and music is behind us. This movie earns TEN stars...

Spence Scott (Johnny Nash) is a black teenager struggling in an all-white history class. He walks out of an insensitive Civil War lesson. He faces further racism in this unnamed northern suburb. Gram Martin (Estelle Hemsley) is his sympathetic grandmother. His banker father and mother is not initially. Christine (Ruby Dee) is their housekeeper.

This is pre Civil Rights although the full release was apparently delayed to the mid-60's. The time difference would make a big difference. The race of the viewer would also make a big difference back in the day. It's not something that would be considered by most white folks back then. That's why it's important as society discusses the issues. As for the movie itself, I like some parts of it. I'm less certain about other parts especially the prostitutes section. It seems like a detour from the main theme. Maybe he should go have a day with that nerdy kid. The whole section after he comes home is pure inter-generational debate. I do like Johnny Nash playing the teenager. He seems like a rebellious teen struggling with the world. This is a great time capsule, but also has something to say for all times.

Beautifully directed (Philip Leacock), beautifully cast and beautiful story, by: Louis S. Peterson ... (screenplay) & Julius J. Epstein ... (screenplay) Louis S. Peterson ... (original play) Acting is superb by all- I will give a pass, a gentle one to Johnny Nash as he sings, some may find his character rather lukewarm. My apology is it's fine, for his character. The films affect on me was at the time I watched it (airing on broadcast 'TheGrio' network) urging, yet in vain, for anyone and everyone in the household to come sit down and watch this "great, great film" with me. One particular scene is brilliantly... written? To make it past potential censorship and that is the barroom scene with the ladies. The mere dialogue will also make it past the children in the household, until the word "prostitute" is said out loud by Johnny Nash.... Just, watch it. Every part of it is so well done, it's a film you really will find yourself unable to turn from the screen.